I keep getting voicemails and emails about bills from my time in the psych ward when I was 15 and 16. From what I’ve heard, they’re not allowed to come after me since I was a minor, but it’s stressing me out. Can I really get in trouble for not paying these? And is there a way to stop all this harassment?
That’s so messed up… almost like they’re trying to make you lose it and come back to them.
Scout said:
That’s so messed up… almost like they’re trying to make you lose it and come back to them.
Wouldn’t even surprise me… that place was awful.
Scout said:
That’s so messed up… almost like they’re trying to make you lose it and come back to them.
Wouldn’t even surprise me… that place was awful.
Did your parents or guardians sign anything for you to be admitted? Since you were a minor, they would’ve had to sign the papers, right?
Look up the FDCPA. It gives you a way to stop the calls. Also, check the statute of limitations in your state.
They can’t legally go after a minor for debt. Reminds me of when I got 10 CDs for 10 cents in 8th grade and didn’t pay.
Fin said:
They can’t legally go after a minor for debt. Reminds me of when I got 10 CDs for 10 cents in 8th grade and didn’t pay.
Didn’t we all do that? 
They might go after your parents, though. Usually, parents are responsible for a minor’s medical bills.
They’re supposed to bill whoever held the insurance at the time of treatment, usually your parents or guardians. Sometimes they try sneaky tactics like this. Check the admission paperwork and see who’s listed as the responsible party. If they put you down, talking to a lawyer might help.
How long ago was this? If it’s past the statute of limitations, they can’t really do anything but bug you to try to restart the debt clock. Block the calls and delete the emails. Since you were a minor, you shouldn’t be responsible.
Yes, you can get sued.
Hal said:
Yes, you can get sued.
A minor can’t be held responsible for debts because they can’t enter a contract. Since this happened while they were a minor, they shouldn’t be liable.
If they got married, joined the military, or were emancipated before 18, it’d be a different story.
@Darin
Can this affect their credit?
Even if the bills are for the child, the responsibility falls on the parents, not the child. Under the FDCPA, attempts to collect a minor’s debt are not authorized by law.